Anna Ruby Falls

Stay Close at Unicoi State Park

Unicoi State Park & Lodge offers the closest and widest variety of public overnight accommodations near Anna Ruby Falls. Located along the same mountain corridor used to reach the falls, the park can be a convenient home base for visitors planning a longer stay in the Helen area.

Depending on availability, accommodations may include lodge rooms, cabins, RV campsites, tent campsites, and specialty camping experiences such as covered platforms. This range gives visitors options for everything from a traditional camping trip to an indoor stay near the surrounding trails and lake.
Anna Ruby Falls and Unicoi State Park are separate destinations. A reservation at Unicoi does not include admission to Anna Ruby Falls, and Anna Ruby Falls admission does not cover Unicoi lodging, camping, parking, or recreation fees. Review Unicoi’s current reservation information, check-in procedures, pet policies, and park rules before traveling.

Camp in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Visitors looking for a smaller, more traditional forest campground can explore public sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service. These campgrounds generally offer fewer services than Unicoi State Park and are best suited to visitors who arrive prepared for a more basic outdoor stay.
Reservations, seasonal operations, drinking-water availability, vehicle limits, and campground conditions can change. Review the current Forest Service and Recreation.gov information for your selected campground before leaving home.

Andrews Cove Campground

Located north of Helen, Andrews Cove Campground offers 10 primitive campsites along Andrews Creek. This scenic spot features nine individual sites and one spacious double site designed for larger groups. Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post, and a toilet facility is located within the campground.

Andrews Cove Campground operates strictly by advance reservation; walk-up, first-come, first-served camping is not permitted. Because this is a seasonal destination without potable water on-site, campers must bring their own supply for drinking, cooking, and cleanup. As this site is not FIND operated, please verify current seasonal operating dates and trail conditions directly on the USDA Forest Service website

The Andrews Cove Trail begins within the campground and connects with the Appalachian Trail, making this option especially useful for visitors who want to combine an Anna Ruby Falls trip with additional hiking.

Low Gap Campground

Low Gap Campground is another public camping option near Helen. The campground offers 13 primitive sites in the Chattahoochee National Forest, with picnic tables, fire rings, and other camp amenities.

Sites are available by reservation, and individual campsites vary in the types and lengths of camping equipment they can accommodate. Visitors traveling with a trailer, camper van, or other larger vehicle should review the details for their selected site before booking. Mountain-road access and limited cellular service may also make advance planning especially important.

Stay in a Cottage at Smithgall Woods

Visitors who prefer an indoor stay in a public-land setting can consider the cottages at Smithgall Woods State Park. The park offers six cottages located within the Dukes Creek Valley, ranging from smaller one-bedroom options to larger cottages designed for families or groups.

Smithgall Woods provides a different experience from a campground or lodge stay, with access to forest scenery, streams, trails, and other park activities. A trail from the cottage area also leads toward Dukes Creek Falls.

Cottage reservations, arrival procedures, parking fees, pet policies, and available activities are managed by Georgia State Parks. Visitors should review current information and contact the park when needed before planning their stay.

Plan Ahead for an Overnight Visit

Because these overnight destinations are managed separately from Anna Ruby Falls, visitors should expect separate reservations, fees, arrival instructions, and operating policies at each location.

Reservations are highly recommended or even required, especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak travel seasons. Before arriving, review check-in details, gate hours, vehicle and pet policies, seasonal conditions, and the weather. Allow extra time for mountain roads, and do not rely on consistent cellular service.

Black bears and other wildlife live throughout the North Georgia mountains. In order to protect our forest friends, please properly store food, coolers, trash, toiletries, and other scented items according to the rules of the campground or park where you are staying. Never leave food unattended, and dispose of trash only in approved containers. Leave no trace!

→ Explore Unicoi State Park Camping & Lodging 
→ Find Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Campgrounds 
→ Check Recreation.gov Availability 
→ Explore Smithgall Woods Cottages